Green tea is one of the most popular beverages consumed worldwide and has been used for thousands of years. Green tea is believed to have many health benefits for those who drink it regularly.
It can improve brain health
One of the main ingredients of green tea is caffeine. It can block the chemical adenosine and reduce sleepiness. Excessive production of adenosine in the brain has been linked to conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Studies have shown that regular caffeine consumption can reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
The amount of caffeine in green tea is much lower than in coffee, so you can enjoy some of the benefits of caffeine without the side effects, such as jitters.
Green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been found to help reduce stress. Research shows that the combination of caffeine and L-theanine improves brain function by strengthening working memory and attention, as well as reducing anxiety.
A small study from 2019 looked at the effects of green tea consumption on brain function, and concluded that people who drink green tea regularly have better cognitive functions and better organized parts of the brain compared to those who do not drink tea.
A 21 review of 2017 studies on the benefits of green tea also found that drinking green tea is beneficial for brain function.
It keeps the heart healthy
It has been established that green tea can play an important role in maintaining heart health. High blood pressure is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. Research shows that consumption of green tea significantly lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
A large 2006 study also found that people who consumed multiple cups of green tea per day, compared to those who consumed less than one per week, were 33 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Helps lower cholesterol
Catechin is the main component of green tea. Catechins are natural antioxidants that have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. They reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body.
An analysis of 14 studies showed that consuming an average of two cups of green tea per day for 10 years resulted in a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is also known as bad cholesterol because it can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
It is beneficial for bone health
Green tea also helps keep bones healthy and strong. Research shows that it can help in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones weaker and more prone to fractures.
"Tea leaves contain fluoride, which may slow osteoporosis, as well as beneficial compounds such as flavonoids and phytoestrogens," Dr. Melinda Ring tells Insider.
It keeps the skin healthy
Drinking green tea or using it topically has numerous benefits for your skin.
Green tea contains a micronutrient called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which, according to some research, contains antioxidants that help prevent sun damage.
It also enhances skin hydration, moisture retention and prevents the formation of wrinkles. When used topically, catechin, a polyphenol in green tea, soothes inflamed skin.
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